Monroe Township (Gloucester County), NJ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Plan required for
- All applications for major development
- Plant list
- Shrubs and trees authorized by N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.25
- Lawn limit
- Areas intended for active human use only
- Wooded areas
- No conversion to lawn unless adjacent to a proposed structure
- Record Trees reference
- NJDEP list published 1991, periodically updated
- Wetlands horticulture (§ 175-151A(2)(a))
- Native Pinelands species permitted
Summary
In Monroe Township, Gloucester County, NJ, every application for major development must include a landscaping or revegetation plan under § 175-147. The plan must use shrubs and trees authorized by N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.25, limit permanent lawn to areas for active human use, and keep existing wooded areas from being cleared and converted to lawn.
E. In order to conserve water, conserve natural features and reduce pollution from the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other soil supplements, all landscaping or revegetation plans prepared pursuant to Subsection D above or required pursuant to § 175-70B(3) or 175-72C(3) shall incorporate the following elements: ... (4) Shrubs and trees authorized by N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.25 shall be used for revegetation or landscaping purposes. Other shrubs and trees may be used in the following circumstances: (a) When the parcel to be developed or its environs contain a predominance of shrubs and tree species not authorized by N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.25. (b) For limited ornamental purposes around buildings and other structures. (c) When limited use of other shrubs or tree species is required for proper screening or buffering.
Full Breakdown
Section 175-147 of the Monroe Township Code, titled Vegetation, is the Township's landscaping standard for new development in Monroe Township, Gloucester County. Subsection D requires every application for major development to contain a landscaping or revegetation plan that incorporates the elements in Subsections E, F and G. Subsection E states the purpose: to conserve water, conserve natural features and reduce pollution from the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other soil supplements.
The plant palette is the center of Subsection E(4). Shrubs and trees authorized by N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.25 shall be used for revegetation or landscaping purposes. Other shrubs and trees are allowed only in these situations: when the parcel to be developed or its environs contain a predominance of species not authorized by that rule, for limited ornamental purposes around buildings and other structures, and when limited use is required for proper screening or buffering.
The other plan elements work alongside the plant list. The limits of clearing shall be identified (E(1)). Existing vegetation, including New Jersey's Record Trees as published by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 1991 and periodically updated, shall be incorporated into the landscape design where practical (E(2)). Permanent lawn or turf areas shall be limited to those specifically intended for active human use such as play fields, golf courses and lawns associated with a residence or other principal nonresidential use (E(3)). Existing wooded areas shall not be cleared and converted to lawns except when directly associated with and adjacent to a proposed structure.
Two neighboring subsections frame the plan. Under Subsection B, all clearing and soil disturbance activities shall be limited to what is necessary for an activity, use or structure the chapter permits. Under Subsection C, where practical, clearing for uses other than agriculture, forestry and resource extraction shall avoid wooded areas and revegetate or landscape areas temporarily cleared or disturbed. Separately, § 175-151A(2)(a) permits horticulture of native Pinelands species in all wetlands, subject to § 175-90.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Officer and the Construction Code Official enforce Chapter 175 under § 175-8. A major development application without a landscaping or revegetation plan carrying the Subsection E elements does not meet Subsection D. Clearing beyond what a permitted use or structure needs violates Subsection B. The section prints no fine amount, so none is cited here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monroe Township require specific plants in landscaping plans?
How much lawn can a major development install in Monroe Township?
Can native Pinelands species be grown in a wetland in Monroe Township?
What existing vegetation must a landscaping plan keep?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe Township (Gloucester County)
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